Minimal cement, clinker export disruption as storm hits central Vietnam

Tropical storm Koto, which killed at least three people as it approached Vietnam's central coast over the weekend of Nov. 29-30, is expected to have minimal impact on the country's cement and clinker export operations, several Asia-based traders and Vietnamese producers told Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, Dec. 2.

Vietnam-based producers said the storm struck central Vietnam, a region with relatively low clinker export activity and only a handful of producers shipping small volumes each year. Key exporting hubs in the north, including Cam Pha port, remained unaffected, sources said.

A northern Vietnam-based producer said weather conditions have remained stable. "Currently, it is good and dry weather, suitable for export bulk cargoes," the producer said, noting that loading operations at major northern ports such as Campha port continued normally through the weekend.

While the storm's impact on logistics appears to be limited, producers have highlighted a tightening supply for December shipments. "I heard that clinker deals in December would no longer be available," a Southeast Asian based trader said. The same northern Vietnam-based producer said, "Plants are out of stock as domestic demand keeps increasing. This is the peak season in Vietnam."

Several traders similarly said strong domestic consumption has reduced export availability for the remainder of 2025. Some producers are prioritizing local sales, citing higher margins in the domestic market compared with FOB export prices.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed cement (ASTM type I) FOB Vietnam at $36/mt on Nov. 27, higher from $35.5/mt the previous week. Platts also assessed cement clinker FOB Vietnam at $30.75/mt on Nov. 27, up from $30.5/mt FOB the previous week.